594442556
Architectural Feature; Architecture; Building Exterior; Business Finance and Industry; Castello Sforzesco; Castle; City; City Street; Cityscape; Color Image; Construction Industry; Day; Europe; European Culture; Famous Place; Flower; International Landmark; Italian Culture; Italy; Lombardy; Milan; Monument; Museum; National Landmark; No People; Old Town; Outdoors; Photography; Poppy; Southern Europe; Springtime; Tourism; Tower; Travel Destinations; Vacations; Vertical;
Sforza Castle, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.

©Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Castello Sforzesco

Top choice in Milan


Originally a Visconti fortress, this iconic red-brick castle was later home to the mighty Sforza dynasty, who ruled Renaissance Milan. The castle's defences were designed by the multitalented da Vinci; Napoleon later drained the moat and removed the drawbridges. Today, it houses seven specialised museums, which gather together intriguing fragments of Milan’s cultural and civic history, including Michelangelo’s final work, the Rondanini Pietà, now housed in the frescoed hall of the castle's Ospedale Spagnolo (Spanish Hospital).

Of the museums, the most interesting is the Musei d'Arte Antica (Museum of Ancient Art), which is displayed in the ducal apartments, some of which are frescoed by Leonardo da Vinci. Included in the collection are early paleo-Christian sculptures, the superb equestrian tomb of Bernarbò Visconti and sculpted reliefs depicting Milan's triumph over Barbarossa. The exhibit eloquently tells the story of the birth of Italy's first city comune through murderous dynastic and regional ambitions, which made this one of the most powerful courts in Europe.

On the 1st floor, the Museo dei Mobile (Furniture Museum) and Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery) blend seamlessly, leading you from ducal wardrobes and writing desks through to a collection of Lombard Gothic art. Among the masterpieces are Andrea Mantegna's Trivulzio Madonna, Vincenzo Foppa's St Sebastian and Bramantino's Noli me tangere (Touch Me Not). The furniture display continues on to the late 20th century, touching on design greats such as Ettore Sottsass and Giò Ponti on its way.

Free entry is offered every first Sunday of the month and from 2pm every first and third Tuesday. To tour the castle battlements and underground rooms, consider a tour with Ad Artem.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Milan attractions

1. Studio Museo Achille Castiglioni

0.14 MILES

Architect, designer and teacher Achille Castiglioni was one of Italy’s most influential 20th-century thinkers. This is the studio where he worked until…

2. Chiesa di San Maurizio

0.3 MILES

This 16th-century royal chapel and one-time Benedictine convent is Milan's hidden crown jewel. Its somewhat sombre facade belies a gorgeous interior,…

3. Civico Museo Archeologico

0.3 MILES

The 8th-century Monastero Maggiore, once the most important Benedictine convent in the city, is now home to Milan's archaeological museum. Access is via a…

4. Parco Sempione

0.34 MILES

Situated behind Castello Sforzesco, Parco Sempione was once the preserve of hunting Sforza dukes. Then Napoleon came to town and set about landscaping…

5. Basilica di San Simpliciano

0.34 MILES

San Simpliciano is one St Ambrose's four Milanese churches, built on a paleo-Christian cemetery with a red-brick Romanesque wrapping. Martyrs Sisinio,…

6. Triennale di Milano

0.35 MILES

Italy’s first Triennale took place in 1923 in Monza. It aimed to promote Italian design and applied arts, and its success led to the construction of…

7. Piazza degli Affari

0.39 MILES

Home to the Italian stock exchange (Palazzo della Borsa), this square is a famous hub of financial activity. But that’s not all it’s known for. In the…

8. Arena Civica

0.39 MILES

The arena was Napoleon’s mini-colosseum, which he opened in flamboyant style with a chariot race in 1807. Built by Luigi Canonica, its design allowed it…